Media company Publicis Groupe Media Ireland has acquired Dublin-based digital marketing agency Interactive Return for an undisclosed sum, it emerged last night.
Established in 1999, Interactive Return provides search engine marketing and web development and consultancy services to blue-chip clients like ESB, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Autotrader and Crowne Plaza Hotels.
The company also organises and runs the annual Search Marketing World Conference and Expo.
“This is the first acquisition of note in the digital sector and we are delighted to welcome Interactive Return to the Groupe,” said Alan Cox, chief executive of Publicis.
Publicis Groupe Media has billings of €150 million and member companies include MediaVest, ZenithOptimedia, Starcom, Clear Blue Water and Captivate Digital.
“The addition of this highly respected company to our business firmly places us in a market-leading position with a total of 14 specialists across our two digital divisions,” Cox said.
“Online is the fastest-growing sector of the media market and is a crucial area for us to invest in. Total spend in this sector is set to grow by 40pc this year.”
Martin Murray, managing director of Interactive Return, said: “Publicis Groupe Media demonstrated to Interactive Return its unique vision for digital marketing and its role in integrated communications campaigns.
“We look forward to leveraging the organisation’s global resources to deliver cutting-edge online marketing solutions.”
By John Kennedy
